Our Story

The School of Public Policy was established with a mission to advance public policy in Canada. We provide a practical, global and focused approach to public policy research and education that builds the policy capacity in government; enhances policy discourse outside of government; and brings a global perspective on Canadian policy theory and practice.

Under the current Director and James S. and Barbara A. Palmer Chair, Martha Hall Findlay, the School achieves its mission through customized strategic assessment programs, cutting-edge master’s degrees and empirical research programs.

The Master of Public Policy (MPP) degree was launched in 2011. Unlike traditional, theory-based graduate programs, the MPP trains students to solve a broad range of real-world policy problems with a practical, hands-on and intensive program fast-tracked over 12 months.

The Master of Science in Sustainable Energy Development (SEDV) started in 1996 as an interdisciplinary graduate program. With its home in the School of Public Policy, students benefit from the expertise of faculty from the Haskayne School of Business, Schulich School of Engineering, School of Architecture, Planning, and Landscape, Faculty of Science, and Faculty of Law.